[Direct answer]In the Beijing area, the first priority is to identify the operator of high-voltage electricity (usually the power supply company). High-voltage electrocution is a highly dangerous operation. According to Article 1240 of the Civil Code, the operator bears no-fault liability - even if the power supply company has no fault, as long as the damage is caused by high-voltage electricity, it must compensate; only if it can be proven that the damage was caused by the victim's intentional act (suicide or self-harm, intentional theft of power facilities) or force majeure, can the operator be exempted from liability; if the infringed person has major negligence (such as unauthorized operations in protected areas), the operator's liability can be reduced but not exempted. The second priority is to look at the third party: if the victim is electrocuted due to others' illegal construction or improper command, the victim can claim compensation from the third party at the same time, and the operator can recover the compensation from the third party after paying compensation. Before suing, it is necessary to first identify the voltage level of the power line, the ownership of the property, and the identity of the operator. The responsibility map will then become clear.

I. Problem background and typical scenarios

At construction sites on the outskirts of the city, crane booms hitting high-voltage power lines, fishermen throwing rods near rivers hitting power lines, and children climbing onto transformer platforms—the mortality rate of high-voltage electrocution accidents is extremely high, and compensation negotiations often fall into a cycle of blame-shifting, with the power supply company saying it's the victim's responsibility and the construction company saying it has nothing to do with them. In fact, the legal rules for high-voltage electrocution cases are very clear: there's a basic principle of no-fault liability, with adjustments to the proportion of fault. The key is to clarify the responsibilities of operators and third parties layer by layer.

II. Key points of contention

First, the definition of voltage level and "high voltage", with 1,000 volts usually serving as the threshold; second, the confirmation of the operator's identity and the separation of ownership and operation; third, the distinction between the victim's intentional acts and gross negligence; fourth, the allocation of liability and recourse under the fault of a third party.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

The first layer emphasizes qualitative analysis first: high-voltage electricity-induced harm applies to high-risk liability, with the principle of no-fault liability—this is fundamentally different from general electric shock cases (where residential 220-volt low-voltage electricity-induced harm is subject to general tort liability based on fault). Damage caused by voltages above 1,000 volts falls under this rule, ensuring a solid basis for claims. The second layer concerns identifying the responsible parties: the owners and operators of power facilities may be separate entities. Transmission lines are typically operated by power supply companies, while in-house transformers and user-owned facilities may involve the owner becoming the operator. Outsourcing maintenance to third parties does not affect external liability; internal disputes are settled separately. When suing, identify the responsible parties through power facility protection zone announcements, property transfer agreements, and power supply contracts. Listing the wrong defendant could waste litigation time. The third layer defines the boundaries of exemption and mitigation of liability: intentional acts must involve deliberate harm or knowing danger (e.g., theft of power equipment or cutting cables). Force majeure refers to extreme situations like earthquakes. Gross negligence typically includes unauthorized construction in power facility protection zones, vehicles forcing through high-voltage lines, or anglers ignoring warnings and casting rods under high-voltage lines. Courts often significantly reduce operators' liability (often 20-40%) but rarely grant full exemption, as operators still have obligations to set warnings, conduct inspections, and rectify issues. Lack of warning signs or substandard line-to-ground clearance often increases liability ratios. The fourth layer addresses multiple causes and a single result: if a construction unit violates regulations in the protection zone and causes electric shock, the construction unit bears direct fault liability while the operator bears no-fault liability. They share liability proportionally or jointly, with the operator liable for internal recoupment. Employer supervision of operations triggers workers' compensation and tort claims. Compensation items align with general personal injury cases, with higher amounts for severe injuries or fatalities. Power supply companies have strong financial capacity and often purchase liability insurance, minimizing enforcement risks—this explains why operators are prioritized as defendants in practice. The technical challenge of high-voltage electric shock cases lies in "qualification and identification": accurately determining voltage levels, operators, management deficiencies in hazardous sources, and victim conditions largely predicts the compensation outcome. Post-accident first actions focus on preserving evidence: site photos, warning sign status, and line parameters may disappear within three days.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

The first step is to rescue the injured while taking photos of the entire scene, the line number, and the status of the warning signs; the second step is to identify the voltage level of the line, the owner and operator, and obtain the power supply contract or ownership certificate; the third step is to report to the police and the safety supervision department to obtain the accident investigation materials; the fourth step is to first negotiate with the operator, and if unsuccessful, to list the operator (and the third party at fault) as the defendant for prosecution, and to apply for a disability assessment for the seriously injured. The main legal basis: Article 1240 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China (effective January 1, 2021) regarding the liability for harm caused by high-voltage electricity, Article 1179 regarding the provisions of compensation items, the judicial interpretation of the Supreme People's Court on several issues concerning compensation for personal injury caused by electric shock (the relevant rules have been incorporated into the Civil Code system for reference and application), and the provisions of the Regulations on the Protection of Power Facilities regarding the operating norms in the protection area; the specific application shall be subject to the currently effective regulations.

5. Henglue Law Firm's Reminder

High-voltage electric shock injury claims mnemonic: First, recognize the operator; assume responsibility without fault; exemption from liability only for intentional acts; and discount for gross negligence—get the qualification right, and the subject will be correct. For claims involving personal injury such as electric shock, you can proceed through the following steps:Personal injury and medical disputesObtain a comprehensive solution for the service; for matters involving the responsibilities of the construction unit and contract review, these can be addressed in conjunction with other relevant departments.Property transactions and construction projectsPlate; for other disputes, you can refer to it for reference.Special servicesColumn; for cases involving the enforcement of large-scale compensation, you can seek adviceCreditor's rights and debts, and enforcementTeam.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do power supply companies have to compensate even if they're not at fault?

Yes. In the case of high-voltage electric shock, the principle of no-fault liability applies. Even if the operator is fully compliant with regulations, they are still required to compensate unless they can prove that the victim acted intentionally or the incident was caused by force majeure.

Q2: If I hit a high-voltage power line while casting my fishing rod, can I get compensation for the damage?

Yes. If it is a major negligence rather than intentional, you can claim compensation, but the proportion will be greatly reduced; if there are no warning signs on the line or the distance does not meet the standard, you can strive for a higher proportion of compensation.

Q3: Who should be reported to if the contractor violates regulations and causes someone to be electrocuted during construction?

The contractor and the power supply company can be listed as co-defendants: the contractor shall bear responsibility according to his fault, and the power supply company shall bear no-fault liability and seek compensation from the contractor.

Q4: Does this rule also apply to residents who get electrocuted by low-voltage electricity?

Not applicable. Low-voltage electric shock is handled as a general tort, focusing on whether the property owner and manager are at fault. The burden of proof and the logic of liability attribution are completely different.

Q5: What are the items of compensation for electric shock injuries?

Medical expenses, loss of income, nursing care expenses, disability aids, disability compensation or death compensation, funeral expenses, living expenses for dependents, and compensation for mental distress, etc.

The above questions and answers are mainly based on the judicial practice in Beijing. There may be differences in the interpretation of the law in different regions. It is recommended to consult a professional lawyer based on the specific circumstances of the case.

If you are currently facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the relevant evidence to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Personal injury legal services·Beijing Henglu Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and open adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If you encounter disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.